Statin Drugs: Not Just for High Cholesterol?

Heart disease
is the leading cause of death in the US, and
cholesterol
plays a major role in the development of heart disease.Cholesterol can be controlled with
statin drugs
, a common treatment for many people.

You may think of cholesterol as just a number, but using statins has other benefits to your cardiovascular system. Research has shown that statins may reduce the incidence of
heart attack
,
stroke
, and death in people without cardiovascular disease. In fact, statins have a primary role in cardiovascular disease prevention.

Like most medications, statins have a good and bad side. In most cases, the benefits outweigh the risks. Here is some information about statins that will make you think beyond your cholesterol number.

How Do Statins Work?

Statins have been used primarily to treat high cholesterol. High levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL, the bad cholesterol) combined with low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, the good cholesterol) can lead to a condition called
atherosclerosis
. Atherolsclerosis is a hardening of the arteries due to a build up of plaque on the inner walls. It is a condition that can lead to a
heart attack
or
stroke
.

Statin drugs, like atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), simvastatin (Zocor), work by inhibiting a liver enzyme that is involved in the production of cholesterol. They are most effective at lowering levels of LDL cholesterol and may also contribute to increasing levels of HDL cholesterol.

Statins have become a popular choice to treat cholesterol problems because they are effective and generally well-tolerated.

What Are the Health Benefits?

Researchers have investigated the potential health benefits of taking statins. There is evidence that statins may reduce the risk of:

Heart attack and death in people with heart disease in people with or without high cholesterol

Cardiovascular events and death in people who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease

Heart attack, stroke, and death in people with elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a sign of inflammation in the body

Cardiovascular events in women who have cardiovascular disease

Need for surgery to improve blood flow to the heart and unstable
angina
in women

Statins may also help lower blood pressure.

What Are the Risks?

If your doctor prescribes statins, some common side effects that you may have include:

Liver damage—Taking statins can lead to changes in liver enzymes and occasionally liver damage.

Muscle pain or weakness—Some people who take statins develop muscle damage. With severe cases, your body may release the protein myoglobin, which can damage the kidneys.

Cancer—There have been numerous scientific studies about the use of statins and the risk of cancer, but the evidence is conflicting.

If you have cholesterol problems, have coronary artery disease, or are at risk for coronary artery disease, your doctor may recommend that you take statins. Be sure to discuss your medical history and any concerns that you may have about taking this kind of medicine. Keep in mind, too, that a healthier lifestyle depends on more than just taking statins. Your doctor will most likely recommend that you make lifestyle changes that include eating a healthier diet and exercising more.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.